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IMA in Media

Visiting the International Music Academy (On The Road, Stouffville municipal government publication)
Music and mathematics (On The Road, Stouffville municipal government publication, Mandarin edition)
International Music Academy opens Stouffville location (Stouffville Tribune)
International Music Academy opens new location in Stouffville (York Region News)

IMA Success Stories

IMA STUDENTS HAVE WON AWARDS AT THE PRESTIGIOUS 2020 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION


IMFC Logo

The International Music Festival and Competition is an annual event that provides musicians of all ages with opportunities to perform, to conduct and to write music while receiving professional guidance by leading experts in the classical music industry.


GOLD MEDALLIONS
Aaron Dutta
Allyssa Talledo
Angélique Erry
Chantal Luo
Clarisse Lin
Daniel Yu
Emma Kang
Hanyu Zhang
Jaden Thomas
Jason Chen
Kelly Chen
Nicole Huang
Ryan Lam


SILVER MEDALLIONS
Aaron Dutta
Allyssa Talledo
Catherine James
Hanyu Zhang
Jaden Thomas
Kelly Chen
Lucy Zhao
Nicole Huang


BRONZE MEDALLIONS
Aaron Dutta
Giancarlo Montanaro
Hermes Chan
Jashvir Rathore
Jason Chen
Kevin Guo
Kyle Guo
Louis Chan
Reena Tamaran
Renjing Li


Congratulations to all students for their amazing achievement!





ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2020 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Savannah Dunberry

Level 8 Theory

92

Ms. Marina Grigorian

Felix Yu

Level 1 Piano

91

Ms. Winnie Hsieh

Elle Zhou

Level 1 Piano

87

Ms. Winnie Hsieh

Jonathan Wong

Level 1 Piano

86

Ms. Marina Grigorian

Priyanka Ragunathan

Level 8 Theory

86

Ms. Antonia deWolfe

Hayden Chin

Level 2 Piano

85

Ms.Winnie Hsieh

Catherine James

Level 1 Piano

84

Ms. Antonia deWolfe

Chantal Luo

Level 7 Piano

83

Ms. Antonia deWolfe

Elijah Gao

Level 1 Piano

82

Ms. Galyna Anno

Jackson Zhu

Level 3 Piano

82

Ms. Elena Eremeeva

Avni Prabhu

Level 1 Piano

80

Ms. Marina Grigorian

Aashika Eswarapatham

Level 3 Piano

80

Ms. Elena Eremeeva

Bethany Tse

Level 3 Piano

80

Ms. Antonia deWolfe

Thea Duggal

Level 3 Guitar

80

Mr. Ramon Taranco

Esther Lam

Level 4 Violin

80

Mr. Arpad Josephson




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (August 2019 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music August session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Ryan Lam

Preparatory A Piano

93

Ms. Dianne Hughes

Andrei Talledo

Preparatory B Piano

91

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Jonathan Wang

Level 5 Flute

91

Ms. Leonid Sprikut

Nicole Huang

Level 1 Piano

89

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Janessa Puyo

Level 2 Piano

85

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Clarisse Lin

Level 5 Theory

84

Ms. Dianne Hughes

Angelique Erry

Level 4 Voice

84

Mr. Paul Williamson

Connor Lau

Preparatory Violin

84

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Angelina Kostantin

Level 2 Piano

83

Ms. Galyna Anno

Clarisse Lin

Level 8 Piano

83

Ms. Dianne Hughes

Allyssa Talledo

Level 1 Piano

81

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Edwin Dong

Level 5 Piano

81

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Theesik Aravinthan

Level 5 Piano

81

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Reena Tamaran

Level 1 Piano

80

Ms. Winnie Hsieh

Arianna Jean Lagunzad

Level 2 Piano

80

Ms. Karina Shnayder

ADaniel Yu

Level 4 Piano

80

Ms. Karina Shnayder

Brandon Yin

Level 1 Piano

80

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Jason Chen

Level 8 Theory

80

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2019 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Thivya Jeyapalan

Level 8 Theory

92

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Isabelle Dasgupta

Level 1 Piano

90

Ms. Galyna Ammo

Emily Jong

Level 8 Theory

89

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Priyanka Ragunathan

Level 7 Theory

88

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Louis Chan

Prep B Piano

86

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Thea Duggal

Level 1 Guitar

85

Mr. Ramon Taranco

Hermes Chan

Prep B Piano

84

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Jessica Wang

Level 6 Voice

81

Mr. Paul Williamson

Linda Liu

Level 4 Oboe

80

Mr. John Mills




IMA STUDENTS HAVE WON AWARDS AT THE PRESTIGIOUS 2019 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION


IMFC Logo

The International Music Festival and Competition is an annual event that provides musicians of all ages with opportunities to perform, to conduct and to write music while receiving professional guidance by leading experts in the classical music industry.


GOLD MEDALLIONS
Aaron Chen
Carter Kawabata
Hayden Chin
Peter Morcos
Reese Bi
Rex Hakimi
Thea Duggal


SILVER MEDALLIONS
Aaron Dutta
Alex Reyes
Allyssa Talledo
Catherine James
Chris Wei
Derek Price
Huy Luong
Kelly Chen
Kyle Guo
Reese Bi


BRONZE MEDALLIONS
Renjing Li
Aaron Dutta
Alec Dong
Edwin Dong
Jason Chen
Kevin Guo
Kyle Guo
Kyra Sophie Oszlai
Nicole Huang
Reena Tamaran
Reese Bi
Renjing Li
Theesik Aravinthan


Congratulations to all students for their amazing achievement!





ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (April 2019 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music April session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Aaron Dutta

Level 3 Piano

88

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Jerry Wong

Level 3 Piano

84

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Ethan Wong

Level 1 Piano

82

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Bethany Tse

Level 2 Piano

81

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Reese Bi

Level 5 Piano

81

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Henry Zheng

Level 2 Piano

81

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Jonathan Wong

Prep B Piano

80

Ms. Marina Grigoryan




WINNERS OF THE 2019 KIWANIS FESTIVAL OF THE GREATER TORONTO AREA


toronto kiwanis festival

This year there were over 1,000 young musicians performing at the GTA Kiwanis Music Festival. Competitive as ever, the Festival was a great opportunity for our students to receive feedback on their studies from internationally renowned artists


Three of the International Music Academy (Markham) students have received the highest recognition and has been awarded First Place in the following categories:


Aaron Chen 1st place (Clarinet Grade 9)
Patrick Hu 1st place (Clarinet Grade 8)
Jeffrey Su - 1st place (Clarinet Grade 6)
Jonathan Wang 3rd place (Flute Grade 3)
Jalen Yang 3rd place (Clarinet Grade 8)


Jaffrey, Patrick and Aaron have also been selected to compete at the Ontario Provincial Finals in June. Congratulations to them all and many thanks to their teacher Mr. Leonid Sprikut for his continued dedication.




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2019 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Kevin Guo

Level 10 Theory

95

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Jonathan Wong

Level 8 Theory

93

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Daria Pryymak

Preparatory A Piano

90

Ms. Dianne Hughes

Angela Liang

Level 1 Vioce

88

Ms. Sara Chen

Jason Chen

Level 8 Piano

88

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Clarisse Lin

Level 7 Piano

84

Ms. Dianne Hughes

Avni Prabhu

Preparatory B Piano

83

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Clara Kim

Level 8 Piano

83

Ms. Dianne Hughes

Thivya Jeyapalan

Level 8 Piano

80

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (August 2018 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music August session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Renee White

Level 8 Theory

98

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Jonathan Yu Sing Wong

Preparatory A Piano

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Bethany Tse

Level 1 Piano

88

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Rida Aftab

Level 5 Piano

87

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Esther Lam

Level 2 Violin

87

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Reena Tamanan

Preparatory B Piano

86

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Janessa Puyo

Level 1 Piano

86

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Carter Kawabata

Level 7 Piano

85

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Jenny Wang

Level 2 Piano

84

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Eva Montanaro

Preparatory Violin

84

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Daniel Yu

Level 3 Piano

83

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Alec Dong

Level 8 Piano

81

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Isabelle Dasgupta

Preparatory B Piano

80

Ms. Galyna Anno

Anujan Kandasamy

Level 5 Piano

80

Ms. Lili Imastounian




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2018 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Emily Jong

Level 7 Theory

94

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Arianna Lagunzad

Preparatory B Piano

93

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Thivya Jeyapalan

Level 7 Theory

92

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Jonathan Wong

Level 7 Theory

92

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Avni Prabhu

Preparatory A Piano

89

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Priyanka Ragunathan

Level 5 Theory

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Savannah Dunberry

Level 7 Theory

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Shaelin Baldsing

Level 2 Piano

86

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Jason Chen

Level 7 Piano

85

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Jeffrey Su

Level 4 Clarinet

84

Mr. Leonid Sprikut

Nitin Raj

Level 2 Piano

83

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Jerry Wong

Level 2 Piano

83

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Jatynne Raj

Level 4 Piano

83

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Rohin Furchner

Preparatory B Piano

80

Ms. Marina Grigoryan




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (April 2018 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music April session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Aryan Ihsan

Level 2 Piano

94

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Ava Ford

Prep B Piano

93

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Reena Tamanan

Prep A Piano

92

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Christina Tarla

Prep B Piano

92

Ms. M. Grigoryan




WINNERS OF THE 2018 KIWANIS FESTIVAL OF THE GREATER TORONTO AREA


toronto kiwanis festival

This year there were over 1,000 young musicians performing at the GTA Kiwanis Music Festival. Competitive as ever, the Festival was a great opportunity for our students to receive feedback on their studies from internationally renowned artists


Three of the International Music Academy (Markham) students have received the highest recognition and has been awarded First Place in the following categories:


Aaron Cheng – Clarinet (RCM Grade 8)
Patrick Hu – Clarinet (RCM Grade 7)
Jeffrey Su – Clarinet (RCM Grade 4)


Patrick and Aaron have also been selected to compete at the Ontario Provincial Finals in June. Congratulations to them all and many thanks to their teacher Mr. Leonid Sprikut for his continued dedication




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2018 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Alex Reyes

Level 8 Theory

100

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Jonathan Wong

Level 6 Theory

94

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Theesik Aravinthan

Level 2 Piano

88

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

April J Wei

Level 9 Piano

85

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Jenny Wang

Level 1 Piano

83

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Nancy Peter

Level 8 Theory

83

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Thivya Jeyapalan

Level 7 Piano

82

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Renee White

Level 7 Theory

82

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Carter Kawabata

Level 8 Theory

82

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Edwin Dong

Level 3 Piano

80

Ms. Suzanne Marfise




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (August 2017 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music August session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Christina Tarla

Preparatory A Piano

95

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Nancy Peter

Level 6 Theory

92

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Adela Hua

History Level 10

91

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Daniel Yu

Level 1 Piano

91

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Alec Dong

Level 8 Theory

90

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Ava Ford

Preparatory A Piano

90

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Rohin Furchner

Preparatory A Piano

90

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Shaelin Baldsing

Level 1 Piano

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Kyra Sophie Oazlai

Level 5 Theory

86

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Jatynne Raj

Level 3 Piano

83

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Nitin Raj

Level 1 Piano

81

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Holden Boutros

Level 3 Piano

80

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Logan Boutros

Level 3 Piano

80

Ms. Marina Grigoryan




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2017 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Deejesh Subramanian

Theory 8

94

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Savannah Dunberry

Theory 6

91

Ms. Marina Gregorian

Aryan Ihsan

Level 1 Piano

91

Ms. Marina Gregorian

Jashvir Rathore

Level 1 Clarinet

91

Mr. John Mills

Bernice Chung

Level 5 Theory

88

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Alexandra Lavric

Prep A Piano

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Rex Hakimi

Prep A Piano

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Henry Zheng

Prep B Piano

87

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Carter Kawabata

Level 6 Piano

86

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Theesik Aravinthan

Level 1 Piano

84

Mrs. Suzanne Marfise

Alexandra Lavric

Level 1 Voice

81

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Navid Pahlwan

Level 4 Piano

80

Mrs. Suzanne Marfise

Chloe Ip

Level 8 Piano

80

Ms. Antonia DeWolfe

Emily Jong

Level 6 Theory

80

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Garrett Kawabata

Level 9 Piano

80

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Rex Hakimi

Level 1 Voice

80

Ms. Marina Grigoryan




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2017 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Alec Dong

Theory Level 6

94

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Deejesh Subramanian

Theory Level 6

90

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Emma Grace Ortiz

Level 3 Violin

90

Ms. Salome Legemaate

Alex Reyes

Level 10 Piano

84

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Anya Pooran

Level 1 Violin

84

Ms. Salome Legemaate




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (August 2016 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music August session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Emma Grace Ortiz

Grade 1 Violin

90

Ms. Salome Legemaate

Aryan Ihsan

Prep B Piano

86

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Jatynne Raj

Grade 2 Piano

86

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Shaelin Baldsing

Prep B Piano

85

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Dailiang Chen

Grade 2 Piano

83

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Nitin Raj

Prep B Piano

82

Ms. M. Grigoryan

James Au

Prep B Piano

82

Ms. M. Grigoryan

Jonathan Wong

Grade 1 Guitar

81

Mr. Ramon Taranco

Celina M Mekhail

Grade 5 Voice

80

Mr. Justin Walsh




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2016 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Alec Dong

Theory Basic

97

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Olivia Maveal

Theory Basic

97

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Rhea Pai

Theory Basic

97

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Savannah Dunberry

Theory Basic

95

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Linda Gu

Theory Basic

95

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Bernice Wu

Theory Advanced

92

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Aaron Chen

Grade 6 Clarinet

89

Mr. Leonid Sprikut

Evelyne Jurca

Theory Intermediate

87

Ms. Antonia De Wolfe

Jackie Xu

Grade 8 Clarinet

80

Mr. Leonid Sprikut




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (April 2016 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music April session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Darius Bonakdar

Grade 3 Piano

87

Ms. Katherine Cao

Carter Kawabata

Grade 5 Piano

85

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Teresa (Yuxuan) Peng

Grade 9 Piano

83

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Mutian Liu

Grade 7 Piano

82

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe




THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY HAS WON THE 2016 CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST PRIVATE MUSIC SCHOOL IN YORK REGION.


Consumer choice 2016

Consumer Choice Award was established in 1987 and is considered to be the most distinguished award for business excellence in Canada.


This is the second time the International Music Academy has won the Consumer Choice Award for best private music school, within the past 5 years.


In his congratulatory letter to the International Music Academy Faculty and Staff, Mr. Marcl Sbrollini, President of the Consumer Choice Award wrote:


“… the consumers and the business in your community have selected you as the top-ranked organization in your industry. You are now part of a very select group of business owners and entrepreneurs recognized for their business excellence in the GTA.”


Official Announcement of the Award was made on February 4, 2016 in Le Parc Centre in Richmond Hill.


Warmest thanks to our students, their parents and all clients for their confidence in the International Music Academy. Congratulations to all teachers and staff for their dedication and work at the highest international standards.




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2016 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject

Mark

Teacher

Emily Jong

Harmony I

97

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Joy Wu

Theory III

95

Ms. Katherine Cao

Michael Lee

Theory III

88

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Labros Spandonidis

Grade 4 Piano

84

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Celina Mekhail

Grade 3 Voice

81

Mr. Justin Welsh




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (August 2015 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music August session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Teacher

Jatynne Raj

Grade 1 Piano

86

Ms. Lili Imastounian

Mishani Tan

Preparatory Violin

81

Mr. Arpad Josephson

Adela Hua

Basic Harmony

80

Ms. Suzanne Marfise




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2015 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Teacher

Kyra Sophie Oszlai

Grade 2 Piano

93

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Kyra Sophie Oszlai

Grade 1 Guitar

86

Mr. Ramon Taranco

Adela Hua

Grade 5 Trumpet

83

Mr. Leonid Sprikut




WINNERS OF THE 2015 KIWANIS FESTIVAL OF THE GREATER TORONTO AREA


toronto kiwanis festival

This year there were over 1,000 young musicians performing at the GTA Kiwanis Music Festival. Competitive as ever, the Festival was a great opportunity for our students to receive feedback on their studies from internationally renowned artists.


Three of the International Music Academy (Markham) students have received the highest recognition and has been awarded First Place in the following categories:


Richard Zhang – 1st Award (RCM clarinet, Grade 7)
Jackie Xu - 1st Award (RCM clarinet, Grade 6)
Katherine Lee – 1st Award (RCM clarinet, Grade 3)
Garrett Kawabata – Silver Award (RCM piano, Grade 8)
Garrett Kawabata – Silver Award (RCM piano, Grade 7)
Karter Kawabata – Bronze Award (RCM piano, Grade 4)



ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2015 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Teacher

Anjali Mistry

Music Theory II

93

Ms. Suzanne Marfise

Michael Lee

Music Theory II

92

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

David Yap

Grade 2 Violin

92

Ms. Marina Grigoryan

Alena Parkinson

Grade 6 Piano

84

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Kyra Sophie Oszlai

Grade 1 Piano

83

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe

Kyle Omari Miller

Grade 1 Piano

80

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2015 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Edward Tang

Theory Advanced

93

Labros Spandonidis

Grade 1 Piano

91

Rida Aftab

Grade 1 Piano

87

Kayvon Najibzadeh

Grade 1 Piano

83

Matthew Finn

Grade 2 Piano

81

Jackie Xu

Grade 4 Clarinet

80

Tiger Zhao

Grade 8 Saxophone

80




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2014 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Brenda Liu

Theory Basic

93

Rishi Bhuwan

Grade 3 Trumpet

86

Garrett Kawabata

Grade 4 Violin

80

Noah Mathew

Grade 2 Piano

80




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (January 2014 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music January session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Tiger Zhao

Theory Advanced

93

Garrett Kawabata

Theory Intermediate

91

Carter Kawabata

Grade 3 Piano

87

Matthew Finn

Grade 1 Piano

83

Garrett Kawabata

Grade 6 Piano

82

David Yap

Grade 1 Violin

80

Ethan Jong

Grade 2 Piano

80




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (August 2013 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music August session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Edward Tang

Theory Intermediate

99

Rishi Bhuwan

Grade 1 Trumpet

90

Sharon Cheung

Grade 2 Flute

87

Tiger Zhao

Grade 6 Saxophone

86

Olivia Xu

Grade 4 Violin

86

Chloe Cheung

Grade 2 Flute

85

Noah Mathew

Grade 1 Piano

80

Rachel Tang

Grade 7 Piano

80




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (June 2013 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music June session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Anjali Mistry

Theory Basic

99

Odosa Obasuyi

Grade 1 piano

89

Michael Lee

Theory Basic

88

Zahra Mustansir

Grade 1 piano

84

Niral Mistry

Grade 2 Clarinet

83

Michael Cheng

Grade 2 Flute

81

Janis Cheng

Grade 2 Flute

81

Vincent Poon

Grade 4 Violin

80




ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC EXAMINATION (April 2013 session)


RCM Logo

The Royal Conservatory of Music April session examination results have been announced. Congratulations to the IMA students achieving considerably higher than the Provincial average marks, with distinction.



Student

Subject, Grade

Mark

Chloe Tam

Grade 3 Piano

85

Adit Krishnan

Grade 3 Piano

82

Jessica Facchini

Grade 2 Piano

82

Alexander Nielsen

Grade 2 piano

80

Mariah A Brown

Grade 5 Piano

80




THE DJOGO BROTHERS HAVE WON THREE FIRST AWARDS AT THE 2013 NORTH YORK MUSIC COMPETITION

Gligor Djogo (clarinet) has won a first place in the category of ARCT Performance at the North York Music Competition for playing Mozart’s Concerto for clarinet and orchestra. His younger brother, Novak Djogo (flute), has won a first award and Radomir Djogo (trumpet) has won a first award as well. All three boys are students of Mr. Leonid Sprikut. Congratulations on their excellent performances and all the best in their future music-related endeavours.




Nicole Lazarovsky and Deven Chakravorty have won prestigious awards at the 2012 North York Music Festival.

May 2012. North York Music Festival was created in 2010 and has quickly gained popularity due to its professional adjudicators and non-competitive environment. Nicole Lazarovsky (voice) and Deven Chakravorty (voice) have won second award at the 2012 North York Music Festival.




The International Music Academy students were invited by the Toronto Maple Leafs to sing the Canadian national anthem at the opening of the hockey game of the Toronto Marlies vs the American Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).

April 2012. Eighteen IMA students took part in this prestigious event, held on April 7, 2012 at Ricoh Coliseum 9,500-seat stadium. To our pleasure, the Marlies have won the game, 45 seconds into overtime with 3-2. To watch a short documentary in HD, click on the image below.




iMA students have won great awards at the 2012 Markham Euromusic piano competition

April 2012.The Markham Music Festival is also known as the Euromusic Piano Competition. It has been created in 1994 and is sponsored by TD Canada Trust. The competition is for young pianists only and is based on the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum. It is also one of the most serious piano competitions in the GTA. Congratulations on excellent performances to:


Gwyneth Poon (Second Award in RCM Grade 7 class)
Parthee Bala (Second Award in RCM Grade 3 class)

Warmest thanks to their teachers for inspiring our young pianists and guiding them to the highest achievements as well as to their families for their continuous support.




iMA students have achieved spectacular success at 2012 Kiwanis Music Festival.

March 2012. Six students from the International Music Academy have competed with hundreds of participants from the Greater Toronto Area at the 2012 Kiwanis Music Festival. All have won prestigious awards in various categories. Congratulations on their outstanding performances to:


Marcel Short (Gold Award in RCM Grade 2 clarinet class)
Radomir Djogo (Gold Award in RCM Grade 2 trumpet class)
Novak Djogo (Gold Award in RCM Grade 6 flute class)
Garrett Kawabata (Gold Award in RCM Grade 4 piano class)
Carter Kawabata (Gold Award in RCM Grade 2 piano class)
Matthew Wong (Gold Award in RCM Grade 7 violin class)
Gligor Djogo (Silver Award in RCM Grade 9 clarinet class)
Mihai Lungu (Silver Award in RCM Grade 2 trumpet class)

Warmest thanks to their teachers for inspiring our young musicians and guiding them to the highest achievements as well as to their families for their continuous support.




Marina Wai, a student at the International Music Academy, has been awarded the 2011 Gold Medal for the highest mark (96) in Grade 4 piano examination in Ontario.

February 2012. An international leader in the fields of music education and performance training, The Royal Conservatory is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year with the introduction of the combined Convocation and Gold Medal Awards Ceremony. Gold Medals are awarded each academic year, September 1 to August 31, by province or region, to candidates who have obtained the highest marks for practical examinations in each discipline, Grades 1 through ARCT. In order to be eligible for these awards, recipients must have obtained a minimum mark of 80% on their practical examination and have completed the theory requirements for their grade.

On behalf of The Royal Conservatory, we cordially invite you to the 2011 Ontario and Quebec Convocation and Gold Medal Awards Ceremony in Toronto to celebrate excellence in music with the community of Gold Medal Teachers and Medalists this year. The 2011 Ontario and Quebec Convocation and Gold Medal Ceremony wil take place on February 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Koerner Hall, The Royal Conservatory, The TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W2.




Nine IMA students have received a mark over 80 at the Royal Conservatory of Music January 2012 examination session.

Matthew Wong (grade 7 violin)
Edward Tang (grade 4 piano)
Mary Christidis (grade 3 harmony)
Katryna Durfy Weir (grade 2 rudiments)
Madura Muraleetharan (grade 2 voice)
Samantha Fung (grade 1violin)
Niral Mistry (grade 1 piano)
Timothe Noche (grade 1 violin)
Olivia Xu (grade 1 violin)



14 students from York Region have won the Kindred Spirits Orchestra 2011 Broadway Kids Live! auditions.

The Kindred Spirits Orchestra under the Honorary Patronage of Mayor Frank Scarpitti of Markham is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Broadway Kids Live! Auditions. Broadway Kids Live! is a new programme created by the Kindred Spirits Orchestra that is designed to provide children with opportunities to acquire important skills in singing, acting, dancing, working with conductor, and performing in front of a large audience. From 115 applications received, 55 children from York Region were invited to audition live in Markham and another 23, in Toronto. During the live auditions, a panel of judges led by Maestro Kristian Alexander, Music Director of the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, looked for a particular blend of vocal, acting, and dancing skills, as related to a pre-determined list of characters that will later be included in the show. A final cast of 14 children was selected to perform live on stage of Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts on May 6, 2012:

- Aneesah Bari (Stouffville)
- Ayla Neumann (New Market)
- Candace Santos (Mississauga)
- Celeste McGill (Maple)
- Deven Chakravorty (Markham)
- Faith Rauen (Unionville)
- Glenn Edward Montera (Toronto)
- Isabelle Duchene (New Market)
- Leya Herschel (Markham)
- Lia Luz (Scarborough)
- Luka Mihajlovi (Markham)
- May He Tessoro (Unionville)
- Nicole Lazarovski (Markham)
- Samantha Waller (Richmond Hill)



iMA students have won the highest awards in the GTA at the 2011 Kiwanis Music Festival

16 students from the International Music Academy have competed with thousands of participants from the GreateToronto Area at the 2011 Kiwanis Music Festival. All have won prestigious awards in various categoriesCongratulations on their outstanding performances to:

- Stella Schneckenburger (Piano solo RCM Grade 3) - Gold Award and Best in Class
- Garrett Kawabata (Piano solo Sonatinas) - Gold Award and 1st place
- Celia Tang (Clarinet solo RCM Grade 10) - Gold Award and 1st place
- Sharon Wong (Piano solo RCM Grade 7) - Gold Award and 2nd place
- Ryan Xu (Piano solo RCM Grade 1) - Gold Award and 2nd place
- Carter Kawabata (Piano solo RCM Grade 2) - Gold Award and 3rd place
- Marina Wai (Piano solo RCM Grade 6) - Gold Award and 3rd place
- Michael Xu (Piano solo RCM Grade 4) - Gold Award
- Gwyneth Poon (Piano solo RCM Grade 5) - Gold Award
- Daniel Joanes (Piano solo RCM Grade 2) - Gold Award
- Julie-Anne Boucher (Violin solo RCM Grade 7) - Gold Award
- Hansel Lui (Violin solo RCM Grade 3) - Silver Award
- Daniel Joanes (Piano solo RCM Grade 2) - Silver Award
- Garrett Kawabata (Piano solo RCM Grade 3) - Silver Award
- Johnson Zheng (Piano solo RCM Grade 2) - Silver Award
- Martin Tuzin (Piano solo RCM Grade 6) - Silver Award
- Katherine Lee (Piano solo RCM Grade 4) - Silver Award
- Jobert Sevilleno (Voice solo) - Bronze Award and 2nd place



2010 Richmond Hill Music Festival has brought more awards to iMA students.

Three voice students from the clas of Ms. Helena Holl have won a Silver Award at the 2010 Richmond Hill Music Festival. Congratulations to:

- Leya Herschel (Italian Art Song)
- Nicole Lazarovsky (Broadway Musical)
- Jobert Sevilleno (Open class)



International Music Academy has sponsored the educaiton of 4 children in Peru

Through a collaboration with AYNI, the International Music Academy has assisted 4 children in Peru with the purchase of books and educational materials required for one year of studies. Watch a video about this exciting partnership in gallery.




Great success at the 2010 North York Music Festival

The North York Music Festival (formerly NYCO Music Festival) has brought another wave of great success to our students, especially those who competed in the vocal classes. Congratulations to:


Stephanie CommarasanaGOLD Award (saxophone)
Leya HerschelGOLD Award (voice)
Philip HuynhGOLD Award (voice)
Charina AlducenteSILVER Award (voice)
Nicole LazarovskiSILVER Award (voice) and BRONZE Award (voice)
Nicole JaskotSILVER Award (voice)
Garett KawabataSILVER Award (piano)
Aneesah BariBRONZE Award (voice)


Special thanks to their teachers Ms. Helena Holl (voice), Ms. Mao Ke (voice), Ms. Priscila Coelho (voice, piano), Mr. Leonid Sprikut (woodwinds), and Ms. Lili Imastounian (piano).




More awards from the 2010 Markham Euromusic piano competition

The Markham Music Festival is well known as the Euromusic Piano Competition. It has been created in 1994 and is sponsored by TD Canada Trust. The competition is for young pianists only and is based on the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum. It is also one of the most serious piano competitions in the GTA. Congratulations on excellent performances to:


Gwyneth Poon (First Award in RCM Grade 3 Sonatina class)
Sindu Karunaharan (Second Award in RCM Grade 3 contemporary piece class)
Katherine Lee (Third Award in RCM Grade 3 contemporary piece class)


Warmest thanks to their teachers for inspiring our young pianists and guiding them to highest achievements. Best regards to the families for their continuous support.




iMA students have won 11 GOLD awards at the 2010 Kiwanis Music Festival

Congratulations to the following students:


Gligor Djogo (GOLD Award), clarinet RCM Grade 8
Cameron Lee (GOLD Award), violin RCM Grade 8
Matthew Wong (GOLD Award), violin RCM Grade 6
Maggie Chie (GOLD Award), saxophone RCM Grade 6
Amanda Mac (GOLD Award), piano RCM Grade 5
Novak Djogo (GOLD Award), flute RCM Grade 4
Ameen Meshkat (GOLD Award), saxophone RCM Grade 4
Tiger Zhao (GOLD Award), saxophone RCM Grade 1
Jeffrey Li (GOLD Award), Guitar RCM Grade 1
Michael Xu (GOLD Award), piano RCM Introductory Grade
Michelle Yu (GOLD Award), voice Musical theatre
Andrea Wong (SILVER Award), violin RCM Grade 6
Martin Tuzim (SILVER Award), piano RCM Grade 5
Jamal Virani (SILVER Award), voice Musical theatre
Cathy Shen (BRONZE Award), voice Grand Opera




iMA students have won awards at the 2009 Richmond Hill Music Festival

Congratulations on successful performances to:


Lucy Yi (double bass) - 1st place (class DB5)
Nicole Jaskot (voice) - 2nd place (class VO3)
Michelle Yu (voice) - 3rd place (class VO5)




iMA has won the 2008 Consumers' Choice Award for best music school in the GTA

The International Music Academy has won the 2008 Consumers' Choice Award for best music school in the GTA. We have won in all categories of "consumers satisfaction", "quality of education", "programmes and services", "learning and teaching environment", "management", "music festivals and competitions", and overall "business excellence". The official award ceremony was recorded on June 2, 2008 by CTV for future release.

The Consumers' Choice Award is considered the seal of excellence. For recipients the award not only constitutes the crowning achievement of their efforts, but more importantly it also represents the most valuable reward of all, the knowledge that they have earned the trust and loyalty of consumers.

The International Music Academy Faculty, Staff, and Management would like to thank all students and their families for their continuous support and for voting us the best music school in the Great Toronto Area.




iMA student has won Second Award on the Ontario Provincial Music Competition

Xianxin Du was selected to represent the GTA at the Ontario Provincial Competition (in the category of brass instruments). He competed with other candidates from all major cities in Ontario and has won the Second Award. This has been very fruitful year for Xianxin. He has also won a SILVER medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a Second Award from the Kiwanis Music Competition. Congratulations on your great achievements!




iMA students have won great awards at the prestigious Kiwanis Music Competition.

The International Music Academy Faculty and Staff congratulate the following students on their outstanding performance:


Ryan Ip (violin) – First Award (RCM 9 Violin sonata)
Ryan Ip (violin) – First Award (RCM 9 Violin concerto)
Renée Ly (piano) – First Award (RCM 4, List A)
Diane Tam (violin) – First Award (RCM 3, List C)

Xianxin Du (trumpet) – Second Award (RCM 9, List B)
Ryan Ip (violin) – Second Award (Bach solo sonata)
Clemence Tam (violin) – Second Award (RCM 4, List A)
Renée Ly (piano) - Second Award (RCM 4, List B)
Diane Tam (violin) – Second Award (RCM 3, List A)
Ranjith Ranganathan (guitar) – Second Award (RCM 1, List A)
Anna Wong (violin) – Second Award (RCM 2, List A)
Daniella Pisciola (piano) – Second Award (RCM i, List A)
John Mamatis (piano) – Second Award (RCM 1, List B)

Clemence Tam (violin) – Third Award (RCM 4, List C)
Aaron Wong (piano) – Third Award (RCM 4, List B)
Matthew Wong (violin) – Third Award (RCM 4, List A)
Maria Pin (violin) – Third Award (RCM 4, Violin Studies)
Stanley Yeung (trumpet) – Third Award (RCM 4, List B)
Amanda Mac (piano) – Third Award (RCM 2, List B)
Serena Sgandurra (piano) – Third Award (RCM 1, List A)
Ganesh Santhananthan (saxophone) – Third Award (RCM 2)


Congratulations go also to the following students for their excellent performance. They all have put a lot of time and energy and have achieved great results: Cameron Lee (violin), Hayson Ko (violin), Stanley Yeung (piano), Sunny Yeung (piano), Chelsea Dumasal (piano), Ellie Mamatis (piano).


We would also like to thank the teachers Mr. Leonid Sprikut, Mrs. Svetlana Koroleva, Mrs. Irina Pechkina, Mrs. Olga Polikarpova, and Mr. Rizgar Al-Timary for their professionalism and dedication.


The Kiwanis Music Competition is the oldest in Canada and is a member of the Kiwanis International that was founded in 1915 with the goal to "change the world one child and one community at a time".




7 GOLD, 9 SILVER, and 6 BRONZE medals for iMA students

Arts Richmond Hill was founded in 1979 as a community based Arts Council whose mandate is the advancement of arts and culture through promotion, awareness, and education. Every year hundreds of students participate in a Music competition based on the Royal Conservatory of Music curricula and examination requirements. During the last weekend of November 2007 iMA students competed in several classes for piano, violin, trumpet, flute, and voice. The winners of this year Richmond Hill Music Competition are:


Aaron Wong, GOLD medal (piano, P13)
Alexander Volkov, GOLD medal (violin, VN25)
Alexander Volkov, GOLD medal (violin, VN27)
Hayson Ko, GOLD medal (violin, VN19)
Serena Sgandurra, GOLD medal (piano, P4)
Stanley Yeung, GOLD medal (trumpet, TU3)
Xianxin Du, GOLD medal (trumpet, TU5)

Aaron Wong, SILVER medal (piano, P11)
Alexander Volkov, SILVER medal (violin, VN24)
Alexander Volkov, SILVER medal (violin, VN26)
Anna Djalilvand, SILVER medal (violin, VN9)
Anna Djalilvand, SILVER medal (violin, VN11)
Deanna Rudiak, SILVER medal (violin, P18)
Diane Tam, SILVER medal (violin, VN9)
Hayson Ko, SILVER medal (piano, VN18)
Serena Sgandurra, SILVER medal (piano, P3)

Anna Djalilvand, BRONZE medal (violin, VN10)
Anna Wong, BRONZE medal (violin, VN6)
Diane Tam, BRONZE medal (violin, VN10)
Diane Tam, BRONZE medal (violin, VN11)
Hayson Ko, BRONZE medal (violin, VN20)
Jonathan Matta, BRONZE medal (piano, P2)




iMA students have received the highest award of the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Every academic year the Royal Conservatory of Music awards SILVER medals to students who have achieved the highest marks on their combined practical and theory examinations. Only one student per grade (1 through 10) would receive the SILVER medal award in the province of Ontario. The GOLD award is given only to accomplished students at the Artist Diploma (ARCT) level.

We are proud to announce that this year the Royal Conservatory of Music has awarded SILVER Medals to two iMA students:

Alexander Volkov, a 12 years old violinist who has achieved 94% on his Grade 7 violin and 99% on his Theory 2 examinations; and
Xianxin Du, a 18 years old trumpeter who has achieved 92% on his Grade 8 trumpet and 99% on his Theory 2 examinations.


The International Music Academy is thrilled that Alexander and Xianxin are both the only students from the province of Ontario who have been awarded the RCM SILVER Medal this year.Congratulations and warmest thanks to their families and to the devoted IMA teachers for this great achievement. The Award Ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at The Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street in Toronto.




The 2007 Euromusic Competition has brought great success to the iMA

Aaron Wong, winner of two Bronze Awards in groups of 12 and of 9 competitors.
Aaron Wong
Sarika Chakravorty, winner of the Bronze Award in a group of 16 competitors.
Sarika Chakravorty

The Markham Music Festival is well known as the Euromusic Piano Competition. It has been created in 1994 and is sponsored by TD Canada Trust. The competition is for young pianists only and is based on the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum. It is also one of the most serious piano competitions in the GTA.


The iMA Faculty and Staff would like to congratulate the following students for their spectacular success at the Euromusic Piano Competition:


Aaron Wong, winner of two BRONZE Awards in groups of 12 and of 9 competitors;
Sarika Chakravorty, winner of the BRONZE Award in a group of 16 competitors;
Suzette Marie Cameron and Rochelle White for their outstanding performance.




Xianxin Du has won the Kiwanis Music Foundation 2007 Scholarship

Xianxin Du, winner ot the Kiwanis Music Foundation 2007 Scholarship
Xianxin Du

iMA student Xianxin Du has won the prestigious Kiwanis Music Foundation 2007 Scholarship. He has competed at the Kiwanis Music Competition and is the only trumpeter in the GTA who has been given this award. In a personal letter to Xianxin, Ms. Pan Allen, General Manager of the Kiwanis Music Festival, wrote:


“Congratulations on your outstanding performance at the 2007 Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto! In recognition of your talent and hard work, our team of adjudication has chosen to award you with the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation Award. The Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto hopes that you use this award toward the further development of your talent.”

The iMA Faculty and Staff are very happy of Xianxin’s success. He is currently preparing for his RCM Grade 8 examination in June. You can hear him playing at one of the iMA students’ recitals in May and at the iMA Annual Concert on June 24th.




The International Music Academy has sponsored world famous conductor Benjamin Zander

World famous conductor and Music Director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Maestro Benjamin Zander, came to Toronto on January 19th, 2007.


In the morning, Mr. Zander gave a speech on “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Live” at the Toronto Hilton Convention Centre. Later in the afternoon Maestro Zander conducted a special concert at John Bassett Theatre in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and presented his highly acclaimed concept of the orchestra as a metaphor for leadership. After the concert Maestro Zander signed copies of his world bestseller “The Art of Possibility”, presented by Harvard University Press.


Benjamin Zander’s work as a conductor and motivational speaker has been awarded the highest attention on five continents. His leadership view is unconventional and its impact is without boundaries. His teaching transforms entire lives through “The Art of Possibility” in ways that are nothing short of magical with results that are nothing short of exemplary. According to Fortune 500, “Ben Zander is the hottest property on the management guru circuit”. According to Boston Globe, “Zander is one of the finest conductors in the world”.


Both the speech and the concert were presented to a very interesting multifaceted audience: executives from leading Canadian companies; conductors and music directors converging in Toronto from five continents for the Conductors Guild International Conference; high school and university students and professors; seniors.


The event was presented by Classical 96.3 FM and sponsored by the International Music Academy.




iMA students have won first awards at the 2006 Richmond Hill Music Competition

Cameron Lee
Cameron Lee
Stephen Yu
Stephen Yu

Congratulations to our students for their excellent performance!


Cameron Lee (violin, first award)
Stephen Yu (violin, first award)

The iMA teachers and staff extend their warmest wishes to our students' families. Thank you for your continuous support!



Monthly Newsletter

To print a copy of the current month newsletter and take advantage of exciting offers, coupons and current promotions, click here [PDF].

Year XXX, No. 9 (September 2026)



 

Welcome to the International Music Academy 2026-2027 school year!

 

We look forward to working with you and fostering your potential through music. On behalf of our teachers and staff, I wish you an exciting and stimulating school year!

 

KRISTIAN ALEXANDER
M.Mus., M.A., D.E.S.S.G.O.C., B.Mus., B.A.
Music Director

 

 


 

WELCOMING OUR NEW STUDENTS

Sophie Sritharan, piano 
Emma Sritharan, piano

 



IMA STUDENTS BIRTHDAYS IN SEPTEMBER

Leonidas R., Youngia C., Lucas L., Chloe R., Riya S., Emilia P., Kaira M., Katelyn D., Hanna L., Nathaniel F., Zarrie J., Gavin R., Ovya P.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



IMPORTANT DAYS IN SEPTEMBER

September 1. IMA School year begins. 
September 2-3. PA day (YR). IMA is open. 
September 7. Labour Day. IMA is open. 
September 11-13. Rosh Hashanah.
September 20-21. Yom Kippur.

 


    EARN YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HOURS

    The Ontario Ministry of Education requires that all high-school students get involved with a charitable or non-for-profit organization volunteer 40 hours in community service. Our affiliated charity, the Kindred Spirits Orchestra (KSO), has several projects with various time commitment that can be done either at home or at its locations in Markham and Stouffville. If you are in grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 and looking for community service, email GM@KSOrchestra.ca The projects are open to all students (including those who are not taking lessons at the IMA), so feel free to refer your friends.



     

     



    GET A $30 CREDIT ON YOUR NEXT MONTH TUITION

    We have been very pleased with the continuous success of our students. They have improved a great deal and we share their excitement with their families, friends, neighbors, and schoolmates. We appreciate your interest towards our programs and services. We are always very happy to welcome new students of all ages, levels, and instruments to the iMA. Please tell your friends about your experience with the International Music Academy.


    Do you know someone who is thinking of taking music lessons or who has children who may be interested in getting their hands on a musical instrument or singing? Do you know a teenager who needs a high school OAC credit? Do you know an adult who has wanted for a long time to learn how to play a musical instrument but has never had the time or inclination? Please tell them about the IMA.


    As an appreciation for your referral, we will give you a $30 credit for each new student who registers at the International Music Academy as a result of your referral.


     




    PERSONALIZED IMA GIFT CARD

    The IMA offers personalized Gift Cards that could be used as thoughtful birthday, holiday, bar/bat Mitzvah, graduation gift or for any other occasions as well as to encourage someone to start learning a musical instrument or singing. The card can be used for any products or services.


    The gift card is available for any amount. As cards are personalized with the name of the person who will receive it as well as with the name of the person who purchase it, requests have to be made 1 day in advance. Cards can be ordered in person, by phone at 905.489.4620 or by e-mail at info@InternationalMusicAcademy.ca. At the time the card is ordered, a non-refundable $5 deposit is required. The full value of the card is paid upon pick-up (and the deposit is credited towards the purchase price). Payments can be made by any major credit card, cheque or cash as well as through the accounts of the IMA Clients.



    COMPOSERS’ ANNIVERSARIES IN SEPTEMBER

    4/9/1824 - Bruckner born

    4/9/1892 - Milhaud born 

    4/9/1907- Grieg died

    5/9/1735 - J.C. Bach born 

    5/9/1912 - John Cage born 

    8/9/1841 - Dvorak born

    8/9/1949 - Richard Strauss died

    13/9/1874 – D. Schoenberg born 

    20/9/1957 – J. Sibelius died

    21/9/1874 – G. Holst born

    23/9/1836 - Bellini died

    25/9/1906 - Shostakovich born

    25/9/1849 – J. Strauss Sr died 

    26/9/1898 - Gershwin born 

    26/9/1945 - Bartok died

     

    Where you born or do you know someone who was born on the same day as these famous composers?
    Drop us e-mail at info@InternationalMusicAcademy.ca to let us know.

       



      FEATURED TEACHER OF THE MONTH

      Mr. Adam Tsang

      M.Mus., B.Mus., Voice, Piano and Interpretation


      Adam Tsang is a cosmopolitan musician and certified voice teacher, holding a Master’s degree in Music Education and Dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Production and Vocal Performance from Vienna and Graz (Austria). His teaching career includes voice, piano, song writing and music theory lessons in Viena, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Adam Tsang works with singers at every level, blending science-driven techniques with clear multilingual guidance (English, Mandarin, Cantonese and German). He builds healthy vocal habits, nurture the authentic tone, and achieve sustainable progress across every stage of the students' development. Beyond teaching voice, Adam also coaches piano/vocal integration, holding prestigious certifications of DipABRSM and Trinity ATCL in Piano. Whether students are looking to casually play favorite songs with vocal accompaniment or preparing for RCM/ABRSM examinations, he'll craft a tailored path to help unlock synergistic skills for fuller musical expression – empowering complete musical storytelling. “For me, singing is a process of storytelling, and the composer is like the writer of the story. Whether conveying stories that are joyful or sorrowful, calm or fiery, the essence lies in the genuine and raw emotional expression from the composer and singer.”, says Adam Tsang. He believes everyone can learn music, and his role is to make that journey as enjoyable as possible.

       

      Adam was happy to answer a few questions for our Students and Parents:

       

      1. What do you like most about teaching? What I love most about teaching is watching each student gradually discover their unique musical voice. Whether it's a child singing with joy for the first time or an adult returning to music after years away, I feel fulfilled helping them build confidence and expression through music.

       

      2. How do you inspire students to practice more? I try to make each lesson meaningful and personal—so that students leave feeling excited about what they’re working on. I often customize their repertoire or vocal exercises based on their goals, personalities, and upcoming opportunities, like performances or competitions. When students feel their growth is real and visible, practice naturally becomes more rewarding.

       

      3. What roles does performance play in student’s development? Performance is not just about showing what you’ve learned—it’s about building courage, communication, and artistry. I believe every performance, big or small, gives students a chance to tell their own story and grow as individuals, both musically and personally. That’s why I encourage students to perform regularly, and support them in developing both technical control and emotional connection.

       

      4. Who are your favourite composers? I have a deep love for composers who write with strong emotional intent. From the classical world, I’m especially drawn to Schubert and Debussy for their sensitivity and color. Outside of classical music, I’m passionate about Jazz, Pop, and Rock— some of my favorite artists include Stevie Wonder, Sara Bareilles, and Queen. I love how JPR music allows for creativity, individuality, and emotional storytelling.

       

      5. What was the last piece of music (sheet music or a recording) you purchased for yourself? The last piece I purchased was The Art of Letting Go by Myles Kennedy. His song writing blends rock with emotional depth and lyrical sensitivity, which really resonates with me as both a performer and a teacher. I often explore this kind of repertoire to stay connected to contemporary music and to inspire students who love expressive, genre-crossing songs.

       


       

      FEATURED STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

      Theijah Thushan

    • What instrument do you play? I play the piano.
    • How long have you taken lessons? I have been taking piano lessons for over 4 years.
    • Who are your favourite musical artists? My favourite musical artist is A.R. Rahman, and I also like K-pop music because it is fun, upbeat, and energetic.
    • What are your other hobbies besides music? I enjoy gymnastics, singing, and classical dancing.
    • What is your favourite food? My favourite food is pasta.
    • What is the coolest thing you’ve learned in your lessons in the past three months? I am working on a piece called Mockingbird. It is teaching me about syncopation, and I am really enjoying it.
    • Do you have any performances coming up? I am looking forward to performing at the IMA Winter Music Festival in December.
    •  

      E-mail to info@InternationalMusicAcademy.ca a photo of yourself (or your child) together with the answers of the questions above. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month. We will feature you in one of the next issues of the newsletter.



      FEATURED ARTICLE

      YUJA WANG: A GUIDE TO THE CELEBRATED PIANIST AND HER BEST RECORDINGS

      by Steve Wright

       

      Yuja Wang/Getty Images

       

      Who is Yuja Wang?
      Yuja Wang is an acclaimed Chinese classical pianist. Perhaps best known for her fearless, theatrical style and dazzling interpretations of 20th-century piano works by the likes of Prokofiev, Rachmaninov and Scriabin, Wang has performed all around the world and has made many bestselling albums. Her 2024 release The Vienna Recital received a glowing review in our August 2024 issue.

       

      How old is Yuja Wang?
      Wang was born on 10 February, 1987.

       

      Where was she born?
      Yuja Wang was born in Beijing, China.

       

      What did her parents do?
      Wang comes from a musical family. Her father, Wang Jianguo, is a percussionist, while her mother Zhai Jieming is a dancer.

       

      When did Yuja Wang start learning the piano?
      She began studying piano at the age of six. She went on to study at Beijing's Central Conservatory of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

       

      At what age did Yuja Wang become famous?
      Wang was performing concerts around the world by the age of 21. However, her road to fame began quite a time before that. She was just 11 when she took third prize in Germany's Ettlingen International Competition for Young Pianists in 1998. The next few years were fruitful: in 2001, Wang took part in the very first Sendai International Music Competition in Sendai, Japan, winning third prize in the piano section. She also took the special jury prize, awarded to the most distinguished finalist aged 20 or under. Her earliest releases included, in 2009, a performance of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, accompanied by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and their conductor, the great Claudio Abbado.

       

      Where does Yuja Wang live?
      Yuja Wang lives in New York City.

       

      Who were Yuja Wang's main influences?
      In a 2009 interview with BBC Music Magazine writer Rebecca Franks, Yuja revealed:

       

      'Vladimir Horowitz was a very big influence on me. I love listening to him and never get tired of it. Also I love Alfred Cortot and Rachmaninov.

       

      ‘Carlos Kleiber the conductor [is another], and I love Leonard Bernstein. When I moved to America when I was 14 I read the Young People's Concerts. That book was a big influence on my way of looking at Western music. I’d been learning in China and there's a different way of analysing music.’

       

      'I think before I thought more about how I felt the piano physically and emotionally; with him it’s more how to analyse music. He looks at music from a very musical point of view. In China we're very imaginative – we invent stories or colours or poems. He was talking about rhythm, contrapuntal lines and harmony, it was very music oriented. You have to have a good balance of both.’

       

      'When I was 14-15 I got to know about music theory that way – it was harmony and structure that were important. But if you have just that and no subjective feelings it won't be human.'

       

      Yuja Wang: five great recordings

      Fantasia
      Works by Rachmaninov; Scarlatti; Gluck; Albéniz; Saint-Saëns/Liszt/Horowitz; Strauss/Cziffra; Chopin DG 479 0052
      Liszt: five essential works

       

      Which is your favourite Liszt piece?
      From our review: 'Wang's aim [with these miniatures] is to ‘create a vignette of a memory, or a hope… like a haiku’. She has succeeded brilliantly. The lightness and flexibility of her touch takes the breath away, and her sound is at every moment transparently controlled, each piece displaying insight and affection.'

       

      The Berlin Recital
      Works by Ligeti, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov & Scriabin DG 483 6280

       

      From our review: 'highlights the poetry of a pianist we’ve more often seen in extrovert showcases like Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. She knows how to give just enough space to a phrase while never losing sight of parallel lines.'

       

      John Adams: Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes? etc
      Yuja Wang (piano); LA Phil/Gustavo Dudamel DG 483 8289

       

      From our review: 'It’s the pianist as perfectly as her infamous bodycon dresses. Her flawless technique is ideally suited to the frequent high-octane, galloping passages…Packed full of ear-worms (the simple melody and its improvisatory-like variations in the third section are devastatingly catchy), this work lives up to its title.'

       

      Chopin - Franck - Piazzolla
      with Gautier Capuçon (cello) Erato 9029539226

       

      From our review: 'Despite his uniquely pianistic outlook, Chopin’s blending of a string instrument with piano [in his Cello Sonata] is unsurpassed in the repertoire, and the duo make the most of it.'

       

       


       

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